Retrospective analysis of the data of the Leuven intensive insulin therapy (IIT) trial in 1,200 MICU patients, randomized to receive either IIT or conventional insulin therapy [2]. The hyperglycemic index (HGI) and hypoglycemic index (HoGI) were used as measures of BG level, the standard deviation of all BG readings per patient (SD BG) as a measure of BGAV. The univariable effect of IIT on these indices was analyzed, the independent association with hospital mortality was assessed by multivariable logistic regression (MVR), corrected for baseline risks.

BGAV was associated with mortality in MICU patients, independent of baseline risks and BG level. IIT reduced HGI, increased HoGI, and did not affect BGAV. Reducing BGAV, in addition to IIT, may theoretically increase its potential for clinical benefit.